National Conservatism and Yoram Hazony: The Movement and Its Conferences

What Is National Conservatism?

National Conservatism is a political movement formally launched in 2019 by Israeli-American philosopher Yoram Hazony. Through the Edmund Burke Foundation, Hazony has cultivated a network of intellectuals and policymakers advocating for a return to strong nation-states, resistance to globalism, and the preservation of cultural and religious values. National Conservatism stands against the erosion of national identity by globalist policies and emphasizes the importance of family, tradition, and a cohesive national culture12.

What Are National Conservatism Conferences?

The National Conservatism Conferences, organized by Hazony’s Edmund Burke Foundation, serve as a gathering point for conservative thinkers and leaders from around the world. These conferences, first held in Washington, D.C. in 2019, bring together influential political figures, intellectuals, and writers to discuss key ideas central to the National Conservatism movement. Key themes of the conferences include:

1. National Sovereignty: The belief that nations should govern themselves without interference from global institutions.

2. Cultural and Religious Values: An emphasis on returning to traditional Judeo-Christian values that form the backbone of Western society.

3. Opposition to Globalism: A rejection of the influence of multinational organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, which are seen as undermining national independence.

4. Immigration Control: Advocating for secure borders and immigration policies that protect national identity.

Key speakers at these events have included U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Marco Rubio, British conservative figures like Daniel Hannan, and intellectuals such as Patrick Deneen and Christopher DeMuth23.

Yoram Hazony's Relationship to Zionism

Yoram Hazony’s ideological roots are deeply intertwined with Zionism, a movement that advocates for a Jewish national homeland in Israel. Hazony is the president of the Herzl Institute in Jerusalem, named after Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism. The institute promotes the study of Jewish thought, political theory, and Biblical philosophy. Hazony’s Zionism emphasizes the need for a Jewish state to maintain its cultural and religious integrity, aligning with his broader views on nationalism4.

Hazony’s early career also reflects his engagement with Zionism, particularly through his founding of the Shalem Center in Jerusalem, which later became Shalem College, Israel’s first liberal arts college. His Zionist beliefs have shaped much of his work on nationalism, as he views Israel’s successful establishment and defense of its identity as a model for other nation-states.

National Conservatism's Relationship to Zionism

The connection between National Conservatism and Zionism is evident in both the ideological framework and Hazony’s personal advocacy. National Conservatism mirrors many of the tenets of Zionism in its call for strong national borders, cultural preservation, and resistance to external influences that may undermine national identity. Hazony often presents Israel as a prime example of the benefits of nationalism—a state that thrives on maintaining a distinct cultural and religious identity while protecting its sovereignty.

Moreover, National Conservatism conferences often feature discussions on the importance of a Jewish national homeland, drawing on Zionism as a successful case of a people reclaiming their land and identity. Zionism’s emphasis on national self-determination and a shared cultural-religious foundation resonates with the broader goals of National Conservatism5.

Who Was Theodor Herzl?

Theodor Herzl (1860–1904) was an Austro-Hungarian journalist and the father of modern political Zionism. Herzl envisioned the creation of a Jewish state as a solution to the growing anti-Semitism in Europe, and his efforts culminated in the first Zionist Congress in 1897. Herzl’s writings and leadership in the Zionist movement laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Hazony’s admiration for Herzl’s vision is evident in his work at the Herzl Institute, which continues to promote Zionist ideas and Jewish political thought6.

Footnotes

1. National Conservatism - Wikipedia. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_conservatism ↩

2. Yoram Hazony and the National Conservatism Conference. Edmund Burke Foundation. Retrieved from: https://nationalconservatism.org ↩ ↩2

3. Jewish Currents: National Conservatism. Retrieved from: https://jewishcurrents.org ↩

4. Herzl Institute - Wikipedia. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herzl_Institute ↩

5. Tikvah Fund: National Conservatism and Zionism. Retrieved from: https://tikvahfund.org ↩

6. Theodor Herzl - Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved from: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/theodor-herzl ↩